Macau: Definition and Links by Encyclopedian.com

Macau, or Macao (馬交, Pinyin ma3 jiao1; known locally as 澳門, Pinyin ao4 men2) is a small city-island on the southern coast of China. It is 70 km southwest of Hong Kong and 145 km from Guangzhou. It was the oldest European colony in China, dating back to the 16th century. The Portuguese government transfered sovereignty over Macau to PRC in 1999. It is now run as a special administrative region of PRC. Macanese speak Cantonese natively.

Besides historical colonial relics, the biggest attractions in Macau are the casinos. Though many forms of gambling are legal there, the most popular game is Pai Gow, a game played with Chinese dominoes. Gamblers from Hong Kong often take a one-day excusion to the city. Ferry service between Hong Kong and Macau is available 24 hours a day, every day.

Macau Special Administrative Region
coat of arms (In Detail) (Full size)

National motto: none

Official language Cantonese and Portuguese

President of the PRC Hu Jintao

Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau-wah[?]

Area
- Total
- % water (Not ranked)
25.4 km²
0%

Population
- Total (2002)
- Density (Not ranked)
461,833
18,182/km²

Establishment
- Date Handover from Portugal to the People's Republic of China
December 20, 1999

Currency Pataca[?] (MOP)

Time zone UTC +8 (AWST)

Internet TLD .MO

Calling Code 853